Wanderer

'The Giant Kemoyin Serpent's bloodline has already merged with my body and soul. The thought of forcibly removing it is absurd, as it would not only strip me of my Rank 1 Warlock status but also potentially cost me my life,' Leylin mused, crossing his arms in deep thought.

With a solemn expression, Leylin concluded, 'My only option is to expedite the brewing of the Serenity Potion.' He had already procured the formula and ingredients from the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy, so completing the potion was just a matter of time.

Leylin had always prided himself on his resilience and cunning, believing these traits would help him overcome any adversity. However, the emotional turmoil caused by their Bloodlines, a problem that has baffled Warlocks for centuries, was not something that could be easily conquered with sheer willpower alone.

As a rational individual, Leylin found it tormenting to be in a situation where he lacked control. After some contemplation, he glanced at a nearby cave with a cold smile, and began walking toward it. He had stripped Clayde of his possessions and left him there in an unconscious state.

Leylin was somewhat eager about the information he could extract about the Lilytell family. Despite suspecting that Clayde might have a tracing spell on him, Leylin decided to interrogate him. He believed that if he acted swiftly, he could escape before Clayde's family could successfully trace him.

The enemy underestimated Leylin, assuming him to be a mere level 3 acolyte. They would never expect Clayde to fail. However, Leylin knew that Clayde would never be assigned such an easy task in the future.

Drawing nearer to his captive with an unsettling smile, Leylin's shadowy tendrils unfurled from his back, squirming with anticipation, poised for an assault.

"Dear Clayde, let's play a game..." Leylin murmured. "I will torture you now. Push your endurance to its limits as your body and mind break – piece by little piece... But if you respond to my inquiries promptly and honestly, I might consider granting you a more merciful end. However, should you fail to do so, I will ensure you teeter on the edge of life and death for weeks on end..."

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Following a few hours of effective 'interrogation', Leylin successfully extracted the desired information and vacated the premises. All that remained of Clayde's existence in the area was a solitary pool of yellow pus.

Leylin found himself contemplating, 'I hadn't anticipated the extent of Bosain's support. He was the only grandson of an elder who has met the prerequisites for advancing to a Rank 2 Magus, having achieved an Elemental Essence Conversion of 80% and above…'

As he hastened on his journey, Leylin reflected on these recent developments.

While it was evident that Potioneering Masters crafted a variety of potions as a result of their diligent research, Leylin's objective was always to expand and accumulate as much arcane knowledge as possible. This often involved undertaking projects that deviated from the conventional Potioneering norms.

To date, he had amassed a diverse collection of torture methods from his experiments in Extreme Night City. These methods leaned more towards spells and dark magics, rather than purely physical techniques. Leylin had subjected Clayde to these innovative and brutal torture methods within that abandoned cave.

In no time, the once dignified official Magus was pushed to the brink of madness, revealing secrets as he pleaded for a swift end. Leylin, however, showed no mercy, torturing Clayde until his body disintegrated into a decaying corpse. This served as a great outlet for all the stress Leylin had built up since he went rogue.

However, Leylin's actions were not solely driven by sadistic pleasure. His primary objective had been to extract valuable intelligence from the Lilytell enforcer.

According to Clayde, Bosain's grandfather was a formidable elder of the Lilytell family and also a Magus whom Clayde was serving. Upon eliminating both the enemy's sole heir and Clayde, Leylin was acutely aware that the animosity of the powerful elder towards him would intensify with each passing day.

Yet, a glimmer of hope remained.

Due to the ongoing elections for the new Family Head within House Lilytell, the internal strife within the family had escalated to a critical juncture. The various elders were not in alliance with each other, hence Leylin's primary concern was to evade Bosain's grandfather, who was not even the most formidable among them.

However, Leylin's audacious act of slaying the enemy's heir magus had undoubtedly incensed all the clans within the family. They would certainly seize any convenient opportunity to eliminate Leylin.

Standing alone, Leylin was no match for the mighty clans of House Lilytell. Consequently, he quickly recognized that his optimal strategy was to flee.

The Poolfield Kingdom was a territory controlled by the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy and served as a sort of gathering ground for the Lilytell family. This became increasingly evident the further east one traveled.

The northern region was fraught with unimaginable perils, so that was out of the picture as well. Therefore, Leylin resolved to head west. He traversed the Zither Moon Mountain Plains and entered the vicinity of the Sage Gotham's Hut magic academy.

These two medium-strength forces had recently engaged in a catastrophic war, their animosity towards each other as irreconcilable as fire and water. In the vicinity of Sage Gotham's Hut, the influence of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was decidedly the weakest. This was Leylin's rationale for relocating to this area, in the hope that the Lilytells would have fewer resources to deploy in their pursuit of him.

Yet, despite the potential benefits of aligning with Sage Gotham's Hut, Leylin had no intention of prolonging his stay in the area. They would undoubtedly welcome an official Magus and could potentially undermine the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. However, Leylin had no desire to become a pawn in their game, or anyone else's for that matter.

The South Coast was vast in its expanse. The Abyssal Bone Forest Academy and Sage Gotham's Hut were situated in the remote eastern region of the South Coast, an area that could be likened to the rural mainland.

After navigating through the Inlan Dukedom which was under the control of Sage Gotham's, crossing the Great Canyon Margaret, and journeying through numerous kingdoms, Leylin would finally arrive at the central region of the South Coast.

It was rumored that in this region, Light Magi wielded the greatest power and coexisted peacefully with ordinary humans. Instances of massacres and full-scale wars between Magi factions were rare.

Leylin intended to further his progress in this region.

Although his advancement required only meditation with a high-grade technique, it did not imply a lack of need for resources. On the contrary, whether for Elemental Essence Conversion or reducing the time between meditations, Leylin needed an abundance of magical resources. Additionally, he required a substantial quantity of rare potions.

Paradoxically, the challenge Leylin faced in acquiring these items wasn't due to a shortage of magic crystals or gold. Instead, it was their rarity and the monopolistic control exerted by each Magi faction over their commodities and services. This was the norm in the Magus World, where the notion of a 'free market' was considered absurd.

Nevertheless, Leylin had already identified his starting point. All the resources he needed were typically sold at a distribution center to ensure profitability for the producing families. His task was to locate this center.

The most significant markets on the South Coast were located in the central region, under the supervision of the Ennea Ivory Ring Tower magic academy and other prominent magisteriums.

Upon thinking of the Ennea Ivory Ring Tower, Leylin remembered George, the irksome blond he had been unable to kill during his time with the acolyte caravan. George, who possessed a fourth-grade aptitude, had ultimately joined the Ennea Ivory Ring Tower for his studies. It was highly probable that he had already progressed to a level 3 acolyte.

In what seemed like a blink of an eye, five to six years had elapsed since Fang Ming had transmigrated into the body of the hapless Leylin.

'Time certainly flies…' Leylin mused, quickening his stride towards the Zither Moon Mountain Plains.

[Doctor, you're doing exceptionally well. All things considered.] Leylin's AI assistant encouraged.

'Yeah, I suppose you're right.' Leylin responded with a smirk.

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Days later, in a distant part of the region, a massive cave collapsed into a landslide, revealing the palpable fury of the individual responsible for the destruction. Amidst the debris, the silhouette of an elderly man clad in silver-white armor emerged.

This old man's face was adorned with peculiar metal trinkets, his eyes ablaze with anger.

"Clayde… Clayde has been slain too!" The old man clenched his teeth, the veins on his forehead throbbing with rage.

"I swear, I will not let you escape unpunished... Leylin Farlier!"

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Within the boundaries of the Inlan Dukedom, a black horse carriage raced down a wide road. The wooden wheels, fortified by iron, emitted a symphony of creaks. The carriage, devoid of any shock-absorbing mechanisms, jostled its occupants with every bump and dip in the road, making for a rather uncomfortable journey.

This rented carriage was a melting pot of passengers. Among them were a white-bearded elder accompanying his granddaughter, a group of boisterous women seeking passage, and merchants, their caps pulled low, clutching their possessions tightly.

Amidst this motley crew, a man cloaked in black stood out. His jet-black hair, glossy and pure, framed a handsome face lit by a radiant smile. This combination lent him an unusual yet potent charisma.

This intriguing individual was none other than a disguised Leylin.

Having butchered the Tylers and decimated the enforcement squad, Leylin found no further reason to linger in the Poolfield Kingdom and promptly took his leave.

The Zither Moon Mountain Plains, while perilous for acolytes, were nothing more than a leisurely stroll in the garden for Leylin, a Warlock who had surpassed the abilities of a typical Rank 1 Magi. It was his personal playground, a place where he could wander without restraint.

Upon reaching the Inlan Dukedom, Leylin finally found a moment of respite after his long journey.

Since the armistice, a fragile peace had been maintained between the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy and Sage Gotham's Hut. However, as hostilities escalated, even the secular world felt the ripple effects. Rumors circulated of several powerful kingdoms on the brink of war.

In these kingdoms, official Magi were shown no mercy. If found within enemy borders, they were ruthlessly pursued. But fortunately, this had nothing to do with Leylin.

Having left most of his troubles behind, Leylin began to unwind. He discarded the idea of continuing his journey as a solitary drifter, opting instead for more conventional methods of travel.

Leylin's decision not to join the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy post-promotion meant he was unaffected by the armistice, but it also left him in a vulnerable position.

As a defector from the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy and with no plans to join Sage Gotham's Hut, Leylin had to tread carefully in their territories. Blending in with ordinary humans seemed like a safe and hassle-free way to travel.

Alas, this method of 'earthly' travel had its drawbacks. The conditions were far from ideal when traveling among the common folk.

Leylin's face contorted into a scowl as he endured the chaotic traffic of carriages in the narrow mountain passes and the foul odors emanating from the carriage and its passengers. Had there been an alternative mode of travel, he would have abandoned this carriage long ago.

But still, amidst the foul experience on board the carriage, Leylin's attention was drawn to a young girl dressed in pink, seated across from him. He offered her a brief, kind smile.

The girl, barely into her teens, had sapphire-like eyes and milky white skin. She noticed Leylin's smile and reciprocated with a friendly one of her own.

Observing their interaction, the girl's grandfather, seated beside her, immediately drew her closer. He whispered something into her ear, prompting her to quickly divert her attention from Leylin. Although his words were barely audible, they likely served as a warning about potential dangers.

Subsequently, the white-bearded grandfather fixed a stern gaze on Leylin, a clear warning. Unfazed by the hostility, Leylin merely chuckled. If only the old man knew…

Leylin had sensed a familiar aura from the girl. Despite being only 12 or 13 years old, she possessed a peculiar charm that didn't go unnoticed by the other passengers.

He too was intrigued by the girl, but not for the reasons one might assume. He saw her as a potential subject for an experiment. After further observation and analysis of scans performed by Aralis, Leylin deduced that she carried a Warlock's bloodline.

The power of Warlocks was derived from their bloodlines, which were passed down to their descendants. However, replicating the original strength was quite complex. For instance, the girl's bloodline was already significantly diluted. Furthermore, she emitted no energy waves. She was as ordinary as humans come, not even an acolyte.

As the generations progressed from the first-generation Warlock, the bloodline gradually diluted, eventually reverting to regular humans. However, the second and third generations often inherited the highest-quality traits. Therefore, Warlocks chose to reproduce frequently to establish a solid lineage.

Leylin, a first-generation Warlock, was a prime example. If he were to have descendants, they would inherit the strength of the Giant Kemoyin Serpent bloodline.

This situation bore some resemblance to that of the Magi families, yet there were distinct differences.

The primary legacy that Magi aim to pass on is their soul aptitude, as each generation could potentially consist of regular humans with no aptitude. While both Warlocks and Magi valued bloodlines, the Magi were open to introducing fresh blood to enhance the genetic traits passed down in the family, which could occasionally surpass those of their ancestors.

Warlocks, on the other hand, hold the purity of bloodlines in high regard. They safeguarded this purity through marriages within the family, implying that incestuous marriages were commonplace among Warlocks. They believed that the inclusion of an outsider in their family would not only compromise the purity of the bloodline but also contaminate it, thereby depriving their descendants of any future as magic casters.

Moreover, Warlock descendants who inherited the bloodline found it exceedingly challenging to progress beyond the acolyte stage unless they discovered a high-grade meditation technique compatible with their specific bloodline. Typically, these techniques were passed down from the first generation.

However, when the bloodline became diluted or the inheritance of the high-grade meditation technique ceased, it often signaled the decline of a Warlock family.

And while a declining Magus family might have the potential for their descendants to restore it to its former glory, it was a far more daunting task for Warlock families. Unless a descendant uncovered the source of the bloodline or employed other methods to replenish the strength of the bloodline, a revival was unlikely.

In the Central Continent, three primary schools of thought prevailed. Families either revered high-grade meditation techniques, possessed powerful bloodlines, or subscribed to a diverse array of magisterium. These represented the three main factions on the continent.

This information was gleaned from the Book of the Giant Serpent, penned by the Great Magus Serholm himself and bequeathed to Leylin.

From the revelations in Serholm's writings, he was likely born and raised in the Central Continent. However, for reasons unknown, he relocated to the South Coast to undertake his most significant work.

Back to the matter at hand, as a Rank 1 Warlock, Leylin possessed a keen perception of his kind. Even though Aralis could not pinpoint the girl's exact origin, he just knew what she was.

Upon observing the elderly man, Leylin could not detect any trace of a bloodline, making it clear that he was not the biological grandfather of the young girl. However, this man was no ordinary human either. Leylin detected faint energy waves characteristic of a level 2 acolyte emanating from him.

'Intriguing… Could he be a caretaker? Or perhaps he adopted the girl?' Leylin mused, offering an 'apologetic' smile.

It was undeniable that Leylin held a profound interest in those of his kind, particularly those with innate bloodlines. Although it was unlikely that any high-grade meditation techniques could manifest in her, Leylin would find them useless unless she possessed a snake-type bloodline.

Fortunately, as a descendant of another Warlock, Leylin had an excellent reference for unearthing his own strength from his bloodline. He was also keen to explore whether he could extract the blood essence from the girl and purify the bloodline, potentially gaining access to another ancient creature's bloodline.

'Who knew what I would discover while journeying among these humans…' Leylin attempted to conceal his sinister smirk from the old man, but eventually, he stopped caring and openly displayed it, almost daring the man to react.

The man's destination also happened to be the Great Canyon Margaret, aligning perfectly with Leylin's plans. Consequently, he dismissed the idea of continuing his journey alone.

The white-bearded elder seated beside the young girl often caught Leylin casting surreptitious glances at his granddaughter, his smile seemingly tinged with ill intent. Naturally, this did not sit well with the elder.

However, he remained oblivious to Leylin's true identity, perceiving him as nothing more than an ordinary human.

Following his recent advancement, Leylin had invested considerable time and effort into enhancing his shapeshifting ability with Aralis's assistance. The results were markedly improved. Even without official Magus information, Leylin was confident that the elder would be unable to detect his shapeshifting ability once activated.

At present, Leylin was uncertain about how best to utilize the young girl. Should he kidnap her to extract her blood directly? Or should he conduct experiments while subtly observing her?

He was unsure whether the girl was backed by a Warlock family. Although the likelihood was slim, Leylin was not willing to take the risk.

However, he soon felt that he was on the verge of unraveling the mystery. A hint of a smile played on Leylin's lips once again.

After observing the elder for several days, Leylin noticed that he frequently wore a frown, as if burdened by a heavy concern.

As each day passed, the elder grew increasingly impatient, urging the carriage to hasten its pace. When his requests were denied, he even threatened to abandon the group. However, it seemed that he remembered something, forcing him to endure the situation and continue the journey.

'It appears this expedition won't be as dull as I initially thought…'

Previously, as an acolyte, Leylin naturally avoided trouble. Had he not advanced to a Warlock, he would have been the first to leave the carriage upon encountering this seemingly fugitive acolyte.

However, things were different now. On the South Coast, Rank 1 Magi wielded significant power, let alone Leylin, who was stronger than newly advanced Magi.